== 1997 Redskins Draft ==
== 1997 Redskins Draft ==
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | Kennard Lang | DE | Miami | 8.42 | 4th rated DE by Sporting News |
| 2 | 51 | Greg Jones | OLB | Colorado | 8.55 | A 'Tweener |
| 3 | 80 | Derek Smith | OLB | Arizona State | 7.3 | Improved greatly at OLB |
| 4 | 115 | Albert Connell | WR | Texas A and M | 8.09 | 7th rated WR according to Sporting News |
| 5 | 132 | Jamel Williams | SS | Nebraska | 7.06 | 2nd rated SS by Sporting News |
| 5 | 140 | Keith Thivodeaux | DB | Northwest Louisiana | CC's fun pick | |
| 5 | 148 | Twan Russell | LB | Miami | 6.3 | Small, but very active |
| 5 | 162 | Brad Badger | OL | Stanford | 6.58 | Can play many positions on the line |
| GRADE | ROUND | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 - above | Top-10 | Star Player |
| 8.9 - 8.5 | 1 | Impact Player |
| 8.4 - 7.5 | 2-3 | Quality Player |
| 7.4 - 6.5 | 4-5 | Roster Player |
| 6.4 - 5.5 | 6-7 | Reserve Player |
| 5.4 - below | FA | Developmental |
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Lang was a defensive end during his three years at Miami.
''The No. 1 thing about him is that he's a junior (in college eligibility), and he's going to get better,'' Casserly said. ''He has potential. He's strong against the run. He has pass-rush ability. He's a great hustle guy. He plays hard all the time.
''(Miami coach) Butch Davis told us there was no question in his mind that if he had stayed in school, he would be a top 10 pick next year.''
If the rookies want their jobs, they're going to have to earn them.
"I'm not going to back
down and give a job away," Patrise
Alexander said. "I like the
competition. I had to fight two years ago
just to get on the
team. The coaches said they'll put the best
11 guys on the field.
Best guy wins the job."
CN: WT
Casserly dismissed a report in one draft publication that Connell might have a problem with his spinal column, a condition which prematurely ended the careers of defensive tackle Bobby Wilson, center John Gesek and safety Darryl Morrison during the past two years.
Albert Connell (WR) from Texas A & M
Jamel Williams (SS) Nebraska
Keith Thivodeaux (CB) NW Louisiana
Twan Russell (LB) from Miami
Brad Badger (OL) Stanford
Picks in round 6 and 7 were traded to Atlanta, to move up into the 5th round and take CC's yearly "fun pick," Keith Thibodeaux. If he's half the player Mitchell is (also from SW Louisiana) we should do great. ;)
The happiest man in the building had to be the Washington Redskins new defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan. After paying scant attention to the defense for three consecutive drafts since coach Norv Turner's arrival, the Redskins used six of their eight picks this weekend to revitalize the 28th most porous unit in the NFL.
"It's almost like Christmas presents," Nolan said. "You really don't know what you have until you open them up."
ROUNDS: 1-3 held Saturday and 4-7 on Sunday
TIME LIMITS: 15 minutes per team for Round 1; 10 minutes per team for Round 2; 5 minutes per team Rounds 3-7
TV COVERAGE: ESPN, Saturday (noon-7 p.m.); ESPN2, Saturday (7 p.m.-conclusion); ESPN, Sunday (11 a.m.-1 p.m.); ESPN2, Sunday (1 p.m.-conclusion).
Our picks were all defense in rounds 1-3
Kennard Lang (DE) from Miami
Greg Jones (OLB) from Colorado
Derek Smith (OLB) from ASU
Gil Brandt of ESPN gives us a B+ for our first round pick.